3 Biggest X-Factors For Packers to Defeat Lions in Week 7

The Green Bay Packers will be entering Week 7 of the NFL season with a record of 4-2 on the year.

Green Bay has won three straight games, with the group looking more like the team that was expected entering the season. The Packers will be taking on the Detroit Lions this week on the road, giving the team a big challenge.

Detroit comes into the contest with a record of 3-2, coming off a bye week. The Lions have had extra time to prepare for this game, so Green Bay will need to come in focused.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Packers to earn the big divisional win over Detroit this week:

1. Jordan Love Stays Upright

Over the last few weeks, the Packers have played much better up front, with the offensive line doing its job of protecting quarterback Jordan Love. Love was sacked three times last week against the Cowboys, but he has been given more time to throw the ball to the team's star wide receivers.

If this happens again against the Lions, Love is good enough to pick apart the Detroit defense, which hasn't been the best this season. Keeping Love upright is going to be key, especially against an opportunistic Lions defensive front that can cause some problems for Green Bay in the game.

2. Get the Running Game Going

Green Bay could be getting back starting running back Josh Jacobs in this game, and this would make a massive difference to the team. The Packers running attack has been one of the worst in the NFL, and it's caused some real issues for the team all year long.

Even if Jacobs doesn't return this week, the Packers are going to have to figure out a way to get the ground game going, opening more passing lanes for Love. Green Bay can't just be a one-dimensional team; otherwise, opponents are going to feast against the passing game very easily.

3. Packers Secondary Holds Up

The Lions have one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL, and the secondary of the Packers is going to be tested here. While Green Bay has done well so far this year, the Lions playmakers could cause some problems, and the secondary is going to have to hold up in the best way possible.

If the Packers pass rushers can get to quarterback Jared Goff, it could give the secondary a much strong chance to hold up. Green Bay needs to make Goff feel pressure all contest long, and it's been proven over his career that this can throw him off his rhythm during games.